Following his recent confirmation as the Republican Party’s presumptive presidential nominee, Donald Trump is swiftly reshaping the party’s leadership. The Republican National Committee (RNC) is set to endorse Trump’s candidates, North Carolina GOP chairman Michael Whatley and Lara Trump, the former president’s daughter-in-law, as the new chair and co-chair, respectively, at its spring meeting this Friday.
According to committee officials, Whatley and Lara Trump, who face no opposition, are expected to succeed RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel and RNC co-chairman Drew McKissick. Trump also plans to place his senior advisers, Chris LaCivita and James Blair, in key positions within the RNC. LaCivita is expected to become the committee’s chief operating officer, while Blair will contribute to the RNC’s political strategy. Both will continue to advise Trump’s 2024 campaign.
A Shift in Power
While leadership changes are not unusual after a party nominates a presidential candidate, insiders describe this as more of a takeover. Trump aims to align the RNC closely with his presidential campaign, focusing on election fraud allegations and enhancing fundraising capabilities, especially as the committee faces financial challenges.
Trump’s changes come as he plans to leverage the RNC’s resources to bolster his general election campaign against President Joe Biden. With his nomination nearly secured, Trump will have early access to the RNC’s extensive voter data, fundraising infrastructure, and ground operation, which he did not have during his 2016 campaign. These resources are crucial as Trump’s campaign plans to expand teams in key battleground states.
Changing of the Guard
RNC members will meet this Friday at a Hilton hotel, where McDaniel will formally announce her resignation. The vote for the next chair is expected to follow shortly after. McDaniel’s decision to step down follows a year of escalating tensions between Trump and the RNC, particularly over the handling of the 2020 election and GOP primary debates.
Trump’s interest in Whatley stems from the North Carolina GOP chairman’s intense focus on election fraud allegations. Whatley, a loyal party figure, has successfully appealed to both Trump and establishment Republicans. His first challenge will be to revive the RNC’s fundraising capabilities, especially as recent reports show the RNC trailing the Democratic National Committee in funds.
Looking Ahead
With LaCivita overseeing the RNC’s finances and Lara Trump serving as a public face for the RNC, the committee is expected to work more closely with the Trump campaign. However, it remains unclear whether the RNC will help cover Trump’s legal costs. Despite some expectations, Trump’s senior advisers insist they have no plans to use the RNC for this purpose.